Continuing its protest against the draconian ordinance introduced by Vasundhara Raje led BJP government in Rajasthan, the Hindi daily, Rajasthan Patrika on Thursday, 16 November, left its editorial blank, with a thick black border, The Hindu reported.

This was done as an attempt to register its strong opposition to the controversial criminal law ordinance that puts restrictions on the media and gives protection to public servants.

16 November is celebrated as the National Press Day in India – a day to commemorate free and responsible press in the country. Rajasthan Patrika has chosen this day to voice its protest against the ‘black’ ordinance.

What is the ‘black’ ordinance about?

On 7 September, post the assent of the governor, the Rajasthan government promulgated the Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, that seeks to protect serving and former judges, magistrates and public servants in the state from being investigated for on-duty action and the reporting of the same by the media – without its prior sanction.

The Bill was introduced in the State Assembly on 23 October. It has now been referred to a Select Committee for reconsideration but the ordinance is still in force, and thus the journalists continue to face the government’s punitive actions.

According to the new ordinance, not only will the judges, magistrates and public servants in the state not face investigation for on-duty action but the media will also be barred from printing or publishing or publicizing in any manner the name, address, photograph, family details or any other particulars which may lead to disclosure of identity of the aforementioned dignitaries.

The Ordinance also calls for the insertion of a new provision – Section 228-B – to the Indian Penal Code. This new provision will make those who contravene the above provisos liable to be punished with imprisonment of up to two years and a fine.

This is not the first time a state government has introduced such amendments in the recent past. The Maharashtra government had also passed an amendment to the CrPC in 2016, as a result of which Magistrates will not be able to order registration of FIRs against public servants without prior sanction of the government.

However, the ambit of the amendment proposed by the Rajasthan government is wider because it includes both the retired as well as the serving judges, and poses a serious threat to press freedom.

Two BJP MLAs Ghanshyam Tiwari and Narpat Singh Rajvi had come out in opposition to the ordinance claiming that it would be a ‘dark day’ for Indian democracy if the ordinance is passed.

Earlier too, the Rajasthan Patrika had raised their voicesagainst the draconian ordinance, in an editorial piece written by Rajasthan Patrika editor-in-chief Gulab Kothari. The piece said that Rajasthan has become akin to a “totalitarian rule”, one where Freedom of Press and free speech are gagged – all because of the publication’s efforts in exposing the looting, plundering, anarchy and corruption in the state.

In his scathing front-page editorial piece, Kothari had written about how the state government had vested interests in passing the gagging ordinance as that would save the skins of corrupt officials and prevent any further investigation into the misdoings of the government.

Since then, the Hindi daily has been publishing an eye-catching “lock”, titled Jab Tak Kaala, Tab Tak Taala (It is locked till the black law is in force), on the front page every day. The “lock” signifies issues involving democracy, freedom of expression and supremacy of people’s voice.

The Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur and Jaipur Benches have issued notices to the Centre and the State government on as many as eight writ petitions that challenged the ordinance. The State government has not yet filed its reply to the Court.

The Logical Indian appreciates the bold move of the Rajasthan Patrika that it has taken to protest against the gagging ordinance that is in prevalence in the state. The step by the Hindi daily represents the opinion of all those who opined that this ordinance is against the democratic spirit of the country.

Rajasthan Patrika Editorial Takes Stand Against Vasundhara Raje’s Draconian Law; Not To Publish Any News On State Govt

Partner Story

Even at 76, Pradip Burman, the zestful chairman of Mobius Foundation radiates a contagious enthusiasm when he is talking about sustainability. The environmental crusader, better known to many as the great-grandson of Dabur founder Dr S.K.Burman, has devoted substantial attention towards promoting the concept of sustainability in all aspects of life. He refuses to conform to the convenience and comfort in today’s world which ultimately adds on to the adverse effects of climate change.

Talking to The Logical Indian, Burman emphasised why sustainability as a concept is indispensable for us. “We ought to be aware of what lies ahead of us. Soon we will finish the oil, iron, tin, and coal, and our next generations will be left with nothing. Recycling, banning plastics, stop felling trees for paper… This should become a part of everyone’s lifestyle,” he urges.

Mr Burman watering a sapling at the tree plantation drive organised by his non-profit Mobius Foundation

Traditional wisdom and modern research

A mechanical engineer from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, Burman had always nurtured a keen interest in helping the society, as evident from his graduation project of designing a sonic aid for the visually challenged, which detected obstacles in the way using ultrasonic wave signals.

As an executive for the nature-centric company Dabur, Burman has always opted for natural alternatives to solve his everyday problems like taking Ayurvedic medicine to cure his Arthritis. He later launched the veterinary wing for Dabur – Ayurvet – which provides nature-friendly solutions for animal health care.

A patron of the ancient scientific wisdom of India, Burman always hailed the confluence of “traditional knowledge and modern research”, which he advocated as the Ayurvet motto.

Ayurvet is one of the best ventures by Mr Burman

As part of the CSR initiative of Dabur, Pradip Burman founded SUNDESH (Sustainable Development Society) which has been tirelessly working for last 25 years in remote villages for uplifting the rural communities in an environmentally sustainable way.

An advocate of sustainability

Burman believes that sustainability is the indispensable mantra for the world at present. Due to uncontrolled utilisation of the planet’s resources by human beings, the world today stands at a juncture of destabilisation. Today the human race has reached the pinnacle of progress but the advancement is happening in a very unsustainable manner.

Through energy-efficient use of everyday essentials like transport, communication, altered habits of diet, clothing and daily living, some crusaders of sustainability try to reduce their carbon footprint. Pradip Burman’s Mobius Foundation is one of the forerunners toward sustainability goals.

Mobius Foundation aims to change the sustainability dynamics

In 2015, Burman paved the way for the start of Mobius Foundation, focused on sustainability. Named after 18th-century German mathematician August Ferdinand Mobius, the famous Mobius strip has an important philosophical significance. The extraordinary shape symbolises balance and union.

Similar is the essence of Mobius Foundation which wishes to enhance the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” principle to a widespread basis in India, helping generations to come.

Founder Pradip Burman wishes to achieve notable development in education, population stabilisation and renewable energy projects.

A dream school in the making

At Coorg, Pradip Burman’s Mobius Foundation is constructing the World Environment School, Coorg (WESc) where the curriculum will surpass the boundaries of books and classrooms, with a special focus on hands-on learning in close collaboration with the environment. Amidst the pristine natural beauty of Coorg, the school will nurture young minds to grow up into future green leaders. As of now, the school will be open to teenagers, welcoming students from standards 6 to 12.

Needless to say, World Environment School will be the first-of-its-kind not only in India but also in entire South Asia. The school is expected to start from March 2020.

The school promises to nurture the responsible behaviour of citizens of our future.

The Sustainability Conference of 2019

In 2019, the Mobius Foundation has planned an international conference, on the lines of the celebrated earth summits over the past decade. The 2019 International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE 2019) aims to bring together environmental activists, practitioners of sustainable development as well as climate change experts to help develop a sustainability-focused curriculum.

It is surmised that the conference will give a platform to innovative concepts of Sustainability Education including an essential change in the existing education system ensuring a wholesome personal development for a student.

The Sustainability crusader

The Mobius founder strongly believes that it is high time to sprout sustainability awareness among a society drowning in consumerism and unknowingly doing irreparable harm to the planet, every second. The best way to achieve this goal is through education which is available to all. At present, the education system is predominantly career-oriented, making the learners a victim of materialism, and thus, their dreams are also outlined in those colours.

Living beyond the limits

When asked about his wish to attain the age of hundred, he strongly asserts that more than becoming a centurion, he wishes his life and work continue to better the society even in his absence. “I have lived my life. I wish that whatever I start before I go, will continue – for the betterment of my country,” says Mr Pradip Burman.

He is also a trustee of the Climate Reality Project – India (affiliated to Mr. Al Gore of the Climate Reality Project Foundation, USA). Climate Reality Project, India, has been actively engaged igniting the spark and spreading the message of climate change amongst educators, policy makers and civil society. The India branch looks after more than 500 trained Climate Leaders, and more than 900 volunteers spread all over the country.

In his journey, Pradip Burman has been a beacon of hope for millions, motivating many to join the movement for sustainability. We wish he continues his tireless efforts for promoting sustainability awareness and inspire generations to come.